Established Camping
Big Lake
Big Lake, near Sisters, Oregon, is a picturesque campground that offers a fantastic escape into nature. With stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, it’s a prime spot for those looking to unwind and soak in the beauty of the outdoors.
The campground features spacious sites that are perfect for both tents and RVs, though you should be prepared for close quarters with your neighbors. Visitors rave about the serene atmosphere of the lake, which is great for swimming and enjoying water activities, even with some boater activity. As one camper noted, “The lake is calm, the campsites line the lake full of evergreens. Truly peaceful.”
While there are no showers or electric hookups, you’ll find essential amenities like vault toilets and drinking water available. Just remember to bring your own firewood if you plan to enjoy a campfire, as it’s not sold on-site. Bug spray is a must, especially in the evenings when the mosquitoes can be a bit relentless.
For those eager to explore, the area is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails and offers easy access to the lake for kayaking or canoeing. Just keep in mind that the campground can get busy, so if you’re looking for solitude, you might want to choose your timing wisely. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Big Lake is a great spot to connect with nature and enjoy some quality time outdoors.
Description
US Forest Service
Willamette National Forest
Overview
This campground provides 49 single campsites. There are both reservable and FCFS sites. The original campsites within Big Lake are in two loops, (sites #1-14 and #15-20) which have eight or so sites with frontage on the lake shore. In 1992 additional campsites were opened (sites #21-49) on a long straight stretch from the boat launch towards Big Lake West. These sites have larger and wider parking spurs, and most sites use stairs to access the table, fire rings and tent pad below the parking spur. Sites can accommodate trailers up to 35 feet in length, depending on site. Drinking water is provided by a water system, built in 1993, which serves the entire Big Lake complex by filtering water drawn from the lake and distributing it to the campgrounds. There are three single vault toilets, and two double vault toilets in the campground. The extra vehicle parking area consists of a boat launch, picnic area, and parking for approximately 15 vehicles and boat trailers. All of these day use facilities are located in the middle of the campground, between the original loops and the "expansion" campsites._*Day Use Fee for day users/boat launch. Extra Vehicle Fee for campers with more than 1 vehicle. Campfires allowed until and unless otherwise posted. Fire bans are common during summer months. Please plan accordingly. Scan and Pay is offered at this campground; you may also pay by cash or check for FCFS campsites. There are no refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay payments. This system is the same as putting cash into a fee tube and cannot be refunded. Please download the Rec.Gov app prior to arriving at the campground as there may be no cellular service or very limited service at the campground. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date by reserving online at RECREATION.GOV or by calling 877-444-6777.
Recreation
Water skiing, sailing and swimming are among the favorite activities at the lake. The Patjens Lakes Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities. The trail follows the western side of Big Lake, heads south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, passes alongside the scenic Patjens Lakes, and then loops back to the campground.
Nearby Attractions
The major activities in the Big Lake area revolve around motorized use. Boats frequent the lake and off highway vehicles (OHVs) us the adjacent Santiam Pass Motorized Recreation Area. Other attractions include Mt. Washington Wilderness and associated access trails, historic Santiam__Wagon Road, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway, Pacific Crest Trail, and Sand Mountain Lookout. Water skiing, sailing and swimming are among the favorite activities at the lake. The Patjens Lakes Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities. The trail follows the western side of Big Lake, heads south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness, passes alongside the scenic Patjens Lakes, and then loops back to the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 967-3917.
Location
Big Lake is located in Oregon
Directions
From Eugene, Oregon, take I-105 east to McKenzie Highway 126. Travel east on 126 for 90 miles to Santiam Pass. At the top of the Pass, turn right onto the access road (sign says Hoodoo Ski Area, Big Lake Road, & Benson Sno-Park). Travel one mile to the fork in the road and stay left on Forest Service Road 2690. Continue for 2 miles to the entrance to Big Lake Campground on the left.
Coordinates
44.3775 N
121.8708333 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
